How do I remove the rear view mirror button off of the glass?

[rwest]

Hello,

I just installed a new windshield and didn't realize that the metal button had a taper and of course my 50/50 chance wasn't in my favor! What solvent will release the adhesive, or am I out of luck?

Thanks, Rutager

[kiwiokie]

It took 3 attempts before the adhesive would stick my button to the new windshield so you could probably gently tap it from the side to get it off.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by rwest

Hello,

I just installed a new windshield and didn't realize that the metal button had a taper and of course my 50/50 chance wasn't in my favor! What solvent will release the adhesive, or am I out of luck?

Thanks, Rutager

Rutager,

I used a heat gun to re-position my rear view mirror. A hair dryer will work too. Apply the hot air directly to the 'button' from inside the car. Move back and forth the direction of the hot air to spread the hot air coming in contact with the windshield. Once the area around the 'button' has been heated or warm-up, work on the 'button' to melt the adhesive between the button and the glass. When the temperature gets hot enough to make the adhesive to flow/melt, you could pull the 'button' or use a razor glass scrapper to get it off the glass.

Tony

[steve911T]

Got it off with a razor blade, just carefully work the blade at the edge (obviously) and it will eventually break the seal. Try the heat first, it probably is easier. Steve

[wwest]

grip tightly with visegrips and twist, heating the button first wouldn't hurt.

[Targa Me]

LOL, a friend of mine tried to remove that button from his windshield and it ended up coming off, taking a chunk of glass with it.
FYI.

[donporfi]

Razor blade and acetone (nail polish remover)

[moneymanager]

Careful. It's remarkably easy to break the windshield doing this.

[rwest]

Thanks for all the suggestions; I think I'll try acetone first and then some heat. I figured it would be pretty easy to chip or break the glass, so I'll go in the order of least risk.

-Rutager

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by donporfi

Razor blade and acetone (nail polish remover)

+1 and take your time. Rush and you'll take out a chunk of glass. Also, be fanatical about cleaning both surfaces before reinstalling the button or it will not last too long.

[donporfi]

They sell the special glue for reinstalling the button. It comes with a cleaning dab and the glue. It is similar to crazy glue, but do not use crazy glue for this as it does not last.

[hangar21]

You can also use MEK(methyl Ethel ketone), be sure to use protective gloves. After It soaks for a 5 to 10 minutes, it pop right off.

[mnewport]

I used a heat gun to re-position my rear view mirror. A hair dryer will work too. Apply the hot air directly to the 'button' from inside the car. Move back and forth the direction of the hot air to spread the hot air coming in contact with the windshield. Once the area around the 'button' has been heated or warm-up, work on the 'button' to melt the adhesive between the button and the glass. When the temperature gets hot enough to make the adhesive to flow/melt, you could pull the 'button' or use a razor glass scrapper to get it off the glass.

+1. I used the same method.

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by hangar21

You can also use MEK(methyl Ethel ketone), be sure to use protective gloves. After It soaks for a 5 to 10 minutes, it pop right off.

hangar21,

Have you actually done this application? Exposing yourself with MEK inside a car is hazardous to your health!!!! MEK is toxic and should be used in a well ventilated area preferably in a work place with exhaust hood. Unless you have respiratory equipment to prevent inhaling the fumes from MEK, I would think twice to use this nasty chemical in a tight confinement. Just my two-cents.

Tony

[rwest]

My car is a Targa, so if I do it in the driveway, the MEK fumes wouldn't concentrate like in a coupe, but I will keep that in mind. It does seem like several people have had good luck with heat though. I needed the car Friday night, so I haven't tried anything yet- maybe Monday.

-Rutager

[Hugh R]

Originally Posted by moneymanager

Careful. It's remarkably easy to break the windshield doing this.

Ain't that the truth!

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

Ain't that the truth!

You'll break the windshield if you expose it to a thermal shock. The trick is heating the surrounding area initially to spread the heat and proceed to make the glue to flow or melt. Make a sweeping movement or stroke of the dryer over the 'button'. Keep the dryer moving all the time and you'll remove the button in seconds. You don't need to heat the glass per se but need to break the bond between the glass and the 'button'. The epoxy glue has a much lower Tg than glass (Si). Tg stands for thermal glass transition temperature.

There is a big difference between myth and facts.

[burgermeister]

A .009 or .010" electric guitar string works very well, with basically zero risk to the windshield. Just saw back & forth (use gloves to hold the string) - the friction melts the glue, without creating enough heat to harm the glass. Takes approx. 2 - 3 minutes to "saw" the button off.

Edit: Try not to stop 1/2 way through, or if you do, pull the string out immediately. It will stick, and can be difficult to get going again.

[moneymanager]

Great idea. But what am I going to do about my guitar?

[burgermeister]

You don't have a supply of spares sitting around? The high E seems to always be the first to go ...